I did snap my axle, but granted it was 3 years old when I got it. The HD lockring is a faff because it's an imperial size. Just make sure you look after it. Don't run it dry, and don't run it rammed full of sticky grease, neither are great for them.
Actually, its more likely to be the opposite. In London, they like to sting you, so it would make sense if they weren't going to give you free refills. More money for them, isn't it...